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Anticipating Christmas

December 23, 2011 in God Thoughts, Relationships with 3 Comments

This weekend is it.  Do you have your shopping done?  Your Christmas cards in the mail?  Your fruitcakes purchased for people you don’t like?

The last few years I’ve not had the “Christmas spirit.”  I’m not sure what it is.  Maybe I’m drained by commercialism.  Maybe I’m confused by all the political correctness and what I should or should not wish or say.  Maybe because I live in the south and Christmas day is usually the warmest day in December and at some point I wear shorts.  Whatever the reason, Christmas has taken second place to my favorite holiday…New Year’s.

The new year is a new starting point.  The board is erased and you can’t start writing all over again, hopefully with more clarity and maturity from the previous twelve months.

Today’s post is simple.  I want to put the two together.

Somewhere over the years Christmas was hijacked by commercialism.  As a Christian, I don’t get so upset when retailers don’t say “Merry Christmas.”  Over the decades we first surrendered Christmas to Santa, and now to retailers.  As long as we keep giving retailers billions of dollars, they are the “reason for the season” and will only say and do what they want to say and do.  

Ok, that was my soapbox paragraph.  Back to the point.

I saw this video last month.  I’ve been waiting for the right moment to share it here.  Tomorrow you’ll finish the Christmas preparations.  Sunday is the big day.  All I want for Christmas is the joy and the anticipation of this boy in this video.  It’s a simple message.  You’ll get it.

Maybe this kid’s heart should be a New Year’s Resolution for us all.

May your heart of “giving” be greater than your desire to “get” this weekend.  Merry Christmas.

1 Question for you…

  • What’s the best gift you have ever given someone?

 

P.S.  Next week I don’t expect many people to reading, so this blog will be some greatest hits of random Youtube videos.  Check back and laugh.  I’ll kick-off the new year with a bang on January 2nd.  Be sure to come back and bring some friends.  

 

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Best Gift to Give

December 20, 2011 in Impact, Relationships with 0 Comments

Yesterday I saw this video.  It’s a collection of responses from North Koreans after learning of the death of Kim Jong Il.  Watch it and read my observations below.

I was amazed how the people wept so openly over the death of their leader, whom most of the world saw as an evil tyrant.  A few reminders for us.

Those we see as enemies are still people and loved by others. 

The value of a relationship to another is not determined by your opinion of the people involved.  A person doesn’t have to be on the other side of the world for you to see them as an enemy.  Your like or dislike of a person does not determine their value to others or to God.

These people have lost control. 

I don’t mean they have lost control of their emotions.  They have lost their controller.  They have lost security, direction and identity.  I’m sure not all North Koreans, even those seen weeping, had great affection for Kim Jong Il.  But suddenly the security they have known is gone.  I’m sure many wept at the possibility of invasion, a drastic change (for better or worse) of life as they know it.  In losing their controller, they have lost control and the future is uncertain and frightening.  

Simply put, the video is a reminder of two of humanity’s greatest needs.  Relationship and security.  We all want to connect with others.  We all want to know “unknowns” will not destroy us.  No doubt, the North Korean people have lost a sense of relationship and security this week.  Politically, you may consider these people enemies, but at the core of their humanity, we are no different.

It’s Christmas week.  Unless you have some crazy travel plans to North Korea, maybe the best gift you can give this nation is a prayer that God will open their hearts and give them peace.

As we hit our Christmas vacations and gatherings this week, surely you’ll encounter the same weeping depicted in the video.  Maybe it’s all on the inside of a person.  Valued relationships may not exist anymore.  Security in an unpredictable world seems impossible.  Maybe the person weeping inside…is you.

Take a moment.  You can share a gift of time, focus, listening, encouragement or prayer.  They don’t cost a dime.  You don’t have to wrap them or have a bow.  But you may give someone the best gift they have had all year.  

Questions for you…

  • Have you ever seen someone truly “love their enemies?”
  • What is the most difficult thing you or someone you know may be facing this week?
  • How can we pray together for those needs?

 

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Read My Lips

November 10, 2011 in Fun, Relationships with 0 Comments

Last week, I found this great series of Youtube videos through Tyler Stanton’s blog.

This is a “A Bad Lip-Reading Soundbite.”  I’m not sure who the guys are that do these videos, but in my opinion they are brilliant.  I haven’t watched them all, so don’t hold me to any inappropriate subject matter or language.

As funny as this is, do you ever feel like you’re communicating with someone in this manner?  No one is hearing what you say.

Questions for you…

  • What’s the biggest problem you have had in communicating with others?
  • Are you proactive in resolving communication problems or do you wait until things blow-over or blow-up?
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Out of the Ashes of Hatred

October 21, 2011 in Relationships with 0 Comments

I’m a child of the 80’s.  There is much to love about that decade.  Bright colors.  The A-Team.  Really big hair.  Molly Ringwald.  It was one of the best decades for movies and music.

I remember excitement turned to sorrow when Space Shuttle Challenger was lost.  I look back on summer days in Alabama with mornings playing baseball and afternoons dodging heat and humidity by watching MTV.

More serious memories include signs where nearby ‘Fallout Shelters” could be found.  As 80’s kids we were familiar with images of parades of missiles and marching soldiers through Red Square in Moscow.  The older kids taught us to “hate” the “Russians.”  Adults taught us to fear them because their primary goal was to kill all Americans.  I was trained in hatred towards people I had never met, and couldn’t find on a globe.  The geopolitical climate was more than my elementary mind could understand.

History happened.  The Soviet Union dissolved and a group of nations returned to their roots or started over.  The the place known as “Russia” became the mission fields in Eastern Europe.  I never knew how much this would change my life, personally. Continue Reading…

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Not As It Appears

October 19, 2011 in Relationships with 0 Comments

Watch the following video.  It’s cool, but also has an important lesson.

There is a very simple explanation why the helicopter’s rotors do not appear to be moving.   Continue Reading…

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Theology of Creativity Part 2 – Deadliest Sin

October 17, 2011 in Creativity, God Thoughts, Relationships with 0 Comments

Last week we looked at the Theology of Creativity to see the spiritual connection to creativity.  God is Creator.  He formed us in His image and called us to create.  He uniquely formed us different from other creatures with ability to reason and choose.  This means we have a capacity to create at a far greater level than instinct.

Did you catch the power of the previous statement?  We don’t create from instinct or necessity.  We create because God has given us ability to reason and choose and we are capable of bringing something from nothing.

The ideas we bring to life are not just from creative ability, but also grounded in reason and choice.  It’s the difference between creating art versus pornography.  It’s the contrast of innovation in medical breakthrough versus biological weapons.  One person’s reason brings about financial planning, while another develops a Ponzi scheme. Continue Reading…

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My Most Valuable Tweet Ever

October 14, 2011 in God Thoughts, Impact, Leadership, Relationships with 2 Comments

The last line of yesterday’s post…

“Your greatest impact may be helping someone develop into who God wants them to be.”

While I believe that statement, I meant it for you, not for me.

I’ve been a Twitter nerd for two years and approaching my 5,000th tweet.  My Twitter habits are quoting, (or ‘re-Tweeting’) brilliant quotes,  writing humorous observations and occasionally I get convicted and share it.  When convicted, I share with others so I won’t have to go it alone.  Seriously, it’s more about sharing what God is pressing into my heart so maybe others can learn and avoid the lapses in wisdom I’ve had.  Like preventative medicine.

Today I shared an observation about selfishness.

“Selfish people eventually get what they want. Themselves. Time erodes relationships and they’re left alone.”

Soon after I heard from my ‘Digi-friend’, Chris.  I’ve never met Chris.  We somehow bumped into each other on Twitter and follow each other.  Though we don’t know each other, Chris has prayed for my dad as he battles cancer.  I’ve returned the favor by praying for some of his requests too;  A positive of social media among believers. Continue Reading…

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3 Methods to Develop Leaders

October 13, 2011 in Impact, Leadership, Relationships with 2 Comments

Today I had lunch with my friend, Britton.  He is a very talented 19 year old college sophomore.  Over the last few years, Britton has been growing as a spiritual leader and worship leader.  He has an incredible heart for God and is committed to be a true disciple of Jesus.

We met at Moe’s for big burritos.  I asked him to give thanks for the food, though it probably needed a blessing of Lipitor as well.  As Britton prayed I was immediately humbled.  He prayed with thanksgiving for me and our friendship.  He prayed for me to be an influence in my ministry at Landmark.  Continue Reading…

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Prayers Needed for a Friend

October 11, 2011 in God Thoughts, Relationships, Uncategorized with 0 Comments

This morning I need to write something a little different than what was planned.

Kyle is a great guy.  He and his wife minister to college students.  I don’t know him well, but over the last year we have had more connections and a growing friendship for which I’m thankful.

Continue Reading…

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Why Am I Going to Catalyst Part 2

October 7, 2011 in Creativity, God Thoughts, Impact, Leadership, Relationships, Resources with 2 Comments

I hope you enjoyed the videos yesterday from Catalyst over the years.  I want to share three more with you today, from the perspective of three Christian authors and leaders in various ways.  Donald Miller, Andy Stanley and Francis Chan.  

I would write more, but these guys say it better than me, don’t you think?

Donald Miller

Andy Stanley

Francis Chan

Powerful thoughts.

Questions for you today…

  • As you listen to these guys talk, which point resonates with you the most?
  • Who are the authors, speakers, thinkers etc… that inspire you the most?

Would love to hear your feedback on the videos from yesterday and today.  See you back here on Monday.

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Why Am I Going to Catalyst?

October 6, 2011 in Creativity, Fun, God Thoughts, Impact, Leadership, Relationships, Resources with 0 Comments

In 2005 I attended Catalyst for the first time.  For three years straight I was there.

2007 was the last time I attended Catalyst.  It was not a pleasant experience.  Not because of the event, but because it was when I began to have a personal breakdown.  I was dealing with burn-out, depression, and had been confronted by a friend over some major issues of integrity in my life.  It seemed as though my world was falling apart.

Four years later, I am so excited to return.  I’m excited about an incredible event and opportunity to learn and be challenged.  However, this year I’m going back and I’m in a spiritually, emotionally healthy place.  I have no secrets.  I have nothing before me except two days to celebrate God’s redemption in my life over the last few years.

I have talked about and taught about God being merciful and full of grace for years.  It was four years ago when things came unraveled that actually put me in a position not to talk about mercy and grace from education, but from experience.  

This year at Catalyst will be sweeter than ever before.  This year will be a celebration of God in me, not just God around me.  

What is it that makes Catalyst so great?  It’s a gathering of 13,000 plus Christian leaders.  Most are in churches, but some are from businesses, schools and other organizations.  It’s a gathering where top Christian authors, pastors, thinkers as well as some who are not known for their Christian worldview, but are leaders in the nation, share their perspective and challenge us all to make an impact.

3 Things Catalyst does well.

Fun – Definitely the most fun conference I’ve ever attended.  One year we saw Knights from Medieval Times and had a band play a Beatles medley.  All of that just to introduce a speaker from England.  My first two years the entire conference set world records recorded by Guiness.  First, we had 12,000 people sit on whoopee cushions all at once.  The second year, we had airline pillows and fought the world’s largest pillow fight.  Catalyst creates an amazing environment of fun.  Here’s a fun video from last year starring Christian artist and songwriter Chris Tomlin.

Inspirational – Watch this video.  What more can I say?

Challenging – There are many top leaders, influencers and world changers that lead and attend Catalyst.  It’s a convergence of amazing energy and focus from powerful leaders.  We learn about global needs and opportunities.  We respond.  Watch this video.

As I said yesterday, I want this blog to be a place where we get creative and think about how God could work in our lives to do amazing things in our relationships, leadership and impact the world.  Catalyst is the place I need to be for the next couple of days to be filled with ideas and inspiration.  I’ll give you more information tomorrow and a full report next week.

Questions for you today…

  • Where do you go to find inspiration?
  • Who are the people in your life that you consider strong leaders and world changers?

 

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What to Do With Scary People

September 28, 2011 in God Thoughts, Relationships, Uncategorized with 2 Comments

What do you do when you encounter “scary” people.   Continue Reading…

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Piper vs. Bell – Rumble in the Olive Press

February 28, 2011 in God Thoughts, Leadership, Relationships with 1 Comment

There are too many tweets and blog posts to reference, but over the last few days a battle has emerged.

Rob Bell and John Piper are two of my favorite Christian author/thinker/communicator types.  That may sound odd, because the two are very different in their teaching, so how could I like both?  Well, I think of them as people and have not elevated them to Messiah-ship.  Therefore, they both offer thoughts that are worthy of consideration, yet not worth laying my life at an altar that has their name emblazoned in steel above it.

 

Continue Reading…

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